With the news that India is to begin issuing tourist visas for the first time since March 2020, we thought we’d remind you about all the fabulous experiences one can have in this sprawling country. From cruising the lush Kerala Backwaters to searching for majestic Bengal tigers and unwinding on the sun-kissed beaches of Goa, here are 10 of the very best things to do in India.
1. Visiting the Taj Mahal
Where else can we start? Having received no foreign visitors in more than a year and a half, India’s most iconic site has to be top of the list for places to visit on arrival. Normally bursting at the seams with interested visitors, the first few months of travel in India should represent a great time to see the Taj Mahal without such huge crowds – a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Recommended tour: Taj Traveller
2. Joining the Holi celebrations
Taking place in March, Holi represents one of the best times of year to visit India. Celebrating the start of spring and the victory of good over evil, Holi causes the country to burst into celebration, and one of the best things to do in India is to join the festivities. Friends and family hurl coloured paint bombs in the streets, and parties take over the country. Just remember not to wear your nicest clothes!
Recommended tour: Holi, Festival of Colour
3. Tiger safaris
While people have stayed away, India’s tiger population has continued its remarkable resurgence. There are now an estimated 3,000 wild tigers living in the country, up from just 2,200 in 2014. This fantastic conservation achievement means that you are far more likely to spot the elusive tigers than in previous years. There are now 52 tiger parks spread across India, with Ranthambore, Kanha and Bandhavgarh being some of the best places to spot the true king of the jungle in the wild.
Recommended tour: Shere Khan
4. Ballooning over Jaipur
Hot air balloons aren’t for everyone. But if you have always fancied sailing serenely across the sky in just a basket, with the breeze in your hair and an inflated balloon to keep you going, then there are worse places to do it than the Pink City of Jaipur. Floating over regal palaces and lofty forts with the wind is a wonderful experience. But nobody is forcing you! This is an optional add-on for all of our tours visiting Jaipur.
Recommended tour: Balloon Over Jaipur add-on
5. Cruising the Kerala Backwaters
Tropical Kerala is the jewel in southern India’s crown, and the region’s lush backwaters are a great place to explore. Board a converted rice boat to discover the maze of rivers and lagoons, fringed with palm trees and bursting with bird life. Whilst much of India pulsates with activity, in Kerala, life is much more laid back.
Recommended tour: Captivating Kerala
6. Reflecting at Raj Ghat
For a moment of quiet contemplation, a visit to Raj Ghat is one of the most important things to do in India. The site is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, and a black marble platform marks the spot where the legendary Indian nationalist was cremated in 1948. An eternal flame also burns in the spot and a pristine garden aids with contemplation.
Recommended tour: A Taj Showcase
7. Relaxing on the beaches of Goa
After a few days or weeks spent exploring India’s various cities, temples, national parks, and hill stations, you’d be forgiven for wanting a few days of rest and relaxation. And the tropical sandy beaches of Goa are India’s best option. Relax with a cocktail in hand, sunbathe to your heart’s content and enjoy some of the mouth-watering local delicacies on offer. The perfect end to your Indian adventure.
Recommended tour: Golden Triangle & Goa
8. Rickshaw riding
The trusty rickshaw remains one of the most effective ways to get around Asia’s biggest cities, Delhi included. Small and nimble, they can weave around traffic and access hard-to-reach places that more conventional modes of transport cannot. No trip to India would be complete without enjoying a rickshaw ride, a cultural experience that is sure to get you to your destination quickly!
Recommended tour: Taj Express
9. Exploring Varanasi
Varanasi is one of India and indeed the world’s holiest cities, being an important Hindu pilgrimage site. The Ganges runs through its heart and the religious practice of bathing in the holy waters remains to this day (though the practice was restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic). A sunrise boat ride on the Ganges is a must for visitors to the city, a magical, spine-tingling experience in the morning quiet.
Recommended tour: Delhi, Palaces, Ganges
10. Taking in the tea plantations of Munnar
Hill stations are colonial-era towns, built at a higher elevation to allow the colonialists, used to milder temperatures, to escape the summer heat. There are numerous hill stations in India which are worth exploring. But Munnar is one of the best. Nestled not far from Kochi, it is surrounded by sprawling tea plantations and some of India’s finest scenery. Whether it’s hiking, cycling, or boating on the region’s waterways, the area is ripe for exploration.
Recommended tour: South India Explorer
We could keep going. India is so large and diverse that there is an almost endless list of things to do, see and discover. With the country finally opening its borders to tourists once again, now is a great time to start planning your trip to the country.
Head to our website to browse our full range of trips, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you’d like to discuss a booking.
December 1, 2021 at 7:45 am
Hey Author,
you have written such a nice blog with great information about all the 10 places.
Thankyou